European News

Bayer Leverkusen have signed former Germany international Heiko Herrlich as their new head coach in a two-year deal. Herrlich will be the successor of Tayfun Korkut, who has been relieved of all duties at the end of the season after leading Leverkusen to a disappointing 12th position.

"With Heiko Herrlich we have signed a young and yet very experienced coach for us. He has also a past in Leverkusen as he started his career here in 1989," Leverkusen's CEO Michael Schade said on Friday.

German football club Schalke have appointed Domenico Tedesco as head coach after relieving former coach Markus Weinzierl, the "Royal Blues" confirmed in an official statement. Tedesco put pen to paper on a two-year deal until June 2019.

"We have carefully examined the whole season to lay a good foundation for the upcoming season. We came to the conclusion that we have to make a change to ensure the development we want. This also includes a change on the head coach position," Schalke's sporting director Christian Heidel said.

Ligue 1 champions Monaco have extended their head coach Leonardo Jardim's contract until 2020, the football club announced, dismantling rumours that the Portuguese was moving in the direction of Chinese Super League (CSL) club Beijing Guoan.

"I am very happy to continue my work in Monaco. Last three seasons here were exceptional, especially when we were crowned in the league this May," said Jardim after his contract extension.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane may be enjoying the acclaim that comes with leading the capital football giants to their first domestic and European double in 50 years but, despite the good show, veteran central defender Pepe has not failed to shoot a barb at the French tactician.

Pepe will leave Real Madrid this summer after failing to sign a new contract with the club and has confirmed that he has offers from Paris Saint Germain, Inter Milan and English clubs.

Italian football club ACF Fiorentina on Tuesday announced that former Lazio and Inter Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has agreed to a two-season contract, replacing Portuguese tactician Paulo Sousa under whom they failed to retain a spot in 2017-18 Europa League.

An official release from the club stated: "ACF Fiorentina is pleased to announce that Stefano Pioli is the new head coach of the first team. The 51-year-old will sign a two-year contract with the club, with an option for the third season."

Real Madrid pounded Juventus 4-1 in the 2016-2017 Champions League final to become the first team to win Europe's elite club tournament two years in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the leading scorer in the Champions League for five years running, contributed two goals as Real Madrid won the title for the 12th time here on Saturday night. The moment also belonged to Real Madrid coach Zinedane Zidane, who can point to a pair of Champions League trophies and a La Liga crown after just 18 months at the helm.